Büyükada

Büyükada, the largest of Istanbul’s princely islands, is the most visited, and for good reason: it has the most things to see and do due to its size (5.4 square kilometers, 1,334 acres).

If possible, schedule your visit on a weekday. On a summer Saturday and Sunday, the ferries, streets, restaurants, cafes - everything is overcrowded.

Kabataş Ferry or Pendik Fast Sea Bus Catamaran will take you to the downtown ferry port, which is signposted with both Latin and Ottoman letters. As you approach the island, you can admire many fine old Ottoman-Victorian houses, now filled with more modern structures.

Walk through the historic Ottoman ferry terminal and you’ll arrive in a lively city center with shops, restaurants and a few hotels. There are more restaurants and shops on the market street on the left (east) and seafood restaurants on the shore. To the right are some cafes, a park and docks for private ferries and yachts.

Walk straight up the small hill to reach the main square, Dock Square (İskele Meydanı), home to Büyükada’s landmark clock tower.

Next to Dock Square on the left is where you can board a horse-drawn carriage (fayton) for a short tour (Küçük Tur, 20-25 minutes) or a long tour (Büyük Tur, 1 hour). Prices are set by the municipality, so you should not bargain. This is the most pleasant way to get around the island. In fact, it’s the only way (except for bicycles and walking). Private motor vehicles, including taxis, are not permitted on the island.

You will also see many bike rental places around Dock Square, which is the best way to explore the island.

Büyükada has some tiny beaches where you can swim in the cool water. Space on the beaches is huge in the summer. The least crowded time to go is probably on weekday mornings.

The island’s two hills are 163 meters (535 ft) and 202 meters (663 ft) high.

Büyükada’s restaurants, cafes and snack shops are expensive, and tips are common in some places: for example, a 20% cover charge and 15% service charge will be added to your bill. Better to bring your own picnic.

Büyükada’s few hotels can put you up for the night, but in the summer book well in advance.

https://turkeytravelplanner.com/go/Istanbul/Sights/adalar/buyukada.html

Photo: onurati